Comments and suggestions in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of adding a comment in Google Sheets?

A comment lets you add notes or explanations to a cell without changing its content. It helps others understand your data or why you made certain changes.

beginner

How do you add a comment to a cell in Google Sheets?

Right-click the cell and choose 'Comment', or select the cell and press Ctrl+Alt+M (Cmd+Option+M on Mac). Then type your note and click 'Comment'.

intermediate

What is the difference between a comment and a suggestion in Google Sheets?

A comment is a note attached to a cell for discussion. A suggestion is a proposed change to the sheet that others can accept or reject.

beginner

How can you reply to a comment in Google Sheets?

Click the comment icon on the cell, then type your reply in the comment thread box and press Enter. This keeps the conversation organized.

intermediate

What happens when you resolve a comment in Google Sheets?

Resolving a comment hides it from the sheet, showing that the issue or question has been addressed. You can still view resolved comments later if needed.

How do you add a comment to a cell in Google Sheets?

A Double-click the cell and type

B Press Ctrl+C to copy

C Right-click the cell and select 'Comment'

D Use the formula bar

Right-clicking the cell and selecting 'Comment' opens the comment box to add notes.

What is a suggestion in Google Sheets?

A A proposed change that others can accept or reject

B A formula to calculate totals

C A note attached to a cell

D A way to format cells

Suggestions are proposed edits that collaborators can review and accept or reject.

What does resolving a comment do?

A Hides the comment as addressed but keeps it accessible

B Sends an email notification

C Marks the cell as locked

D Deletes the comment permanently

Resolving hides the comment from view but keeps it saved for reference.

Which shortcut adds a comment on Windows?

A Ctrl+Z

B Ctrl+C

C Ctrl+V

D Ctrl+Alt+M

Ctrl+Alt+M opens the comment box for the selected cell.

Can you reply to comments in Google Sheets?

A No, comments are read-only

B Yes, you can add replies in the comment thread

C Only the owner can reply

D Replies delete the original comment

Replies keep the conversation organized in the comment thread.

Explain how comments and suggestions help when working with others in Google Sheets.

Think about how you communicate and review work with friends or coworkers.

Describe the steps to add, reply to, and resolve a comment in Google Sheets.

Imagine you are explaining to a friend how to leave notes and finish discussions.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of adding comments in Google Sheets?

easy

A. To change the value of a cell automatically

B. To explain or ask questions about specific cells without changing data

C. To format cells with colors and fonts

D. To create formulas that calculate data

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of comments

   Comments are used to communicate information or questions about a cell without altering its content.

2. Step 2: Differentiate comments from other features

   Formatting and formulas change appearance or data, but comments only add notes visible on hover or in a sidebar.

3. Final Answer:

   To explain or ask questions about specific cells without changing data -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Comments = Explain or ask questions [OK]

Hint: Comments explain cells without changing data [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking comments change cell values
• Confusing comments with formatting
• Using comments to write formulas

2. Which of the following is the correct way to add a comment to a cell in Google Sheets?

easy

A. Use the formula =COMMENT() in the cell

B. Right-click the cell and select 'Insert note'

C. Double-click the cell and type the comment

D. Right-click the cell and select 'Comment'

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to add comments

   In Google Sheets, comments are added by right-clicking a cell and choosing 'Comment'.

2. Step 2: Differentiate comments from notes and formulas

   'Insert note' adds a note, not a comment. Double-click edits cell content. =COMMENT() is not a valid formula.

3. Final Answer:

   Right-click the cell and select 'Comment' -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Add comment = Right-click + Comment [OK]

Hint: Right-click cell, choose 'Comment' to add comments [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing 'Insert note' instead of 'Comment'
• Trying to type comment directly in cell
• Using a formula to add comments

3. You see a small orange triangle in the top-right corner of a cell in Google Sheets. What does this indicate?

medium

A. The cell has a formula error

B. The cell contains a comment

C. The cell contains a note

D. The cell is locked for editing

Solution

1. Step 1: Recognize cell indicators

   A small orange triangle in the corner of a cell means there is a note attached to that cell.

2. Step 2: Differentiate notes from comments and errors

   Comments show a speech bubble icon, formula errors show error messages, and locked cells have a lock icon.

3. Final Answer:

   The cell contains a note -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Orange triangle = Note [OK]

Hint: Orange triangle means note, not comment [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing notes with comments
• Thinking orange triangle means error
• Assuming cell is locked

4. A user tries to add a comment but accidentally selects 'Insert note'. What is the main difference they will notice?

medium

A. Notes appear as small orange triangles and show on hover; comments open a sidebar and allow replies

B. Notes change the cell value; comments do not

C. Notes are visible to everyone immediately; comments are private

D. Notes can only be added to text cells; comments only to number cells

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand notes vs comments behavior

   Notes show as small orange triangles and appear when hovering over the cell. Comments open a sidebar and support conversations.

2. Step 2: Identify incorrect options

   Notes do not change cell values, both are visible to collaborators, and both can be added to any cell type.

3. Final Answer:

   Notes appear as small orange triangles and show on hover; comments open a sidebar and allow replies -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Notes = orange triangle + hover; Comments = sidebar + replies [OK]

Hint: Notes show on hover; comments open sidebar for discussion [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking notes change cell values
• Believing comments are private
• Assuming notes only work on text cells

5. You want to suggest a change in a shared Google Sheet without altering the data. Which feature should you use and why?

hard

A. Add a comment to explain your suggestion, so others can reply and discuss

B. Insert a note with your suggestion, so it appears on hover

C. Directly edit the cell to show the new value

D. Use conditional formatting to highlight the suggested change

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the best way to suggest changes without editing data

   Comments allow you to add suggestions and start discussions without changing the cell content.

2. Step 2: Compare with other options

   Notes are for quick reminders and less interactive. Editing changes data. Conditional formatting only changes appearance, not suggestions.

3. Final Answer:

   Add a comment to explain your suggestion, so others can reply and discuss -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Suggest changes = Use comments for discussion [OK]

Hint: Use comments to suggest without changing data [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Editing cells directly instead of commenting
• Using notes which lack discussion features
• Relying on formatting to suggest changes